A woman’s place in public is to sit beside her husband, be silent, and be sure her hat is on straight.

Meaning of the quote

This quote suggests that women should not have an active role in public life, but rather should focus on being a quiet, obedient companion to their husbands. It reflects outdated and sexist ideas about the limited role of women in society. Today, we recognize that women have the right to participate fully in public life, to express their opinions, and to pursue their own interests and ambitions.

About Bess Truman

Bess Truman was the wife of President Harry S. Truman and the First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953. She was a private person who avoided the public eye and had a significant influence on her husband’s presidency through their private conversations, despite not actively participating in his political career.

More about the author

More quotes from Bess Truman

I’ve liked lots of people ’til I went on a picnic jaunt with them.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

I’m no different from anybody else. If I don’t have a card, I can’t check out these books.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

I won’t lock my doors or bar them either if any of the old coots in the pictures out in the hall want to come out of their frames for a friendly chat.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

A woman’s place in public is to sit beside her husband, be silent, and be sure her hat is on straight.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

I deplore any action which denies artistic talent an opportunity to express itself because of prejudice against race origin.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

I have a strong tennis arm.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

It looks like you’re going to have to put up with us for another four years.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

It’s nice to win.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

You may invite the entire 35th Division to your wedding if you want to. I guess it’s going to be yours as well as mine. We might as well have the church full while we are at it.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953

Now about those ghosts. I’m sure they’re here and I’m not half so alarmed at meeting up with any of them as I am at having to meet the live nuts I have to see every day.

Bess Truman

First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953